Haast Pass

Haast Pass is one of New Zealand's most dramatic mountain passes, carving a route through the Southern Alps on the South Island's West Coast. The drive along State Highway 6 between Wanaka and the West Coast is a journey through ancient rainforest, past thundering waterfalls, and over a saddle that feels like the roof of the world. This is a wild, untamed corner of New Zealand, where the road clings to sheer cliffs and the bush hums with birdlife.

Highlights & What to See

• Fantail Falls – A short walk leads to a beautiful cascade that fans out over a rocky face; perfect for a quick leg stretch and photo stop.
• Thunder Creek Falls – A 28-metre waterfall plunging into a deep pool, easily viewed from the road with a brief stroll.
• Blue Pools – A gentle 30-minute walk through beech forest leads to crystal-clear pools fed by the Makarora River; on a sunny day the water glows impossibly blue.
• Haast Pass Lookout – A short climb rewards with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
• Gates of Haast – A dramatic gorge where the Haast River squeezes through a narrow chasm; the bridge offers vertiginous views.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers drive Haast Pass as a scenic route between Wanaka and the West Coast, taking 1.5–2 hours without stops. To fully appreciate the waterfalls and short walks, budget half a day. If you're heading to Fox or Franz Josef Glacier, you can easily combine the drive with stops at the highlights and still arrive by mid-afternoon.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wanaka – A lakeside town just east of the pass, offering outdoor adventures and a relaxed vibe.
• Fox Glacier – One of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers, with guided walks and heli-hikes.
• Franz Josef Glacier – Slightly larger than Fox, with hot pools and glacier valley walks.
• Punakaiki – Famous for the Pancake Rocks and blowholes, a must-see further north on the West Coast.
• Hokitika – A charming coastal town known for greenstone (pounamu) carving and wild beaches.

Please check official sources for current details.